Dr Henry Talbot can no longer practise in London, despite his prestigious training and career, one death of a high profile patient has lead to him being excluded from working in the city.

Henry receives an unexpected invitation to work in a remote part of North Wales and grudgingly accepts, having no other options. When he arrives it is apparent that most of the locals have taken an immediate dislike and all is not well at his new residence in a stately home. The Lady of the manor is almost entirely bed bound, suffering from delusions and fits. Her daughter Linette is viewed as an oddity, dressing in masculine clothes and ignoring the rules of convention. Her uncle, Julian, oversees the family, including its mines and Henry is tasked with assessing the women in the family for signs of madness as well as treating the local population.

What sets this apart from other gothic novels is the Welsh setting, use of Cymraeg, incorporating local customs, myths and legends.

As the story unfolds we are taken deeper into a much darker side of Welsh superstition, I loved this slice of dark gothic Georgian life!

Wonderful, moody and evocative novel with a host of believable characters and gothic terror that make for a really satisfying read.

Henry Talbot, foundling and celebrated surgeon finds himself mysteriously fired and then appointed to a remote post in Wales as private physician to a household of slightly odd individuals.

Chaos ensues as family secrets, local hostility and some very untrustworthy gentlemen create danger for Henry and his connections, Welsh folklore and dark magic beliefs combine, and Henry doesn't know who can and cannot be trusted.

Great fun all round, and just as good as Pandora, compelling to read right to the end.

Set in Meirionydd, Wales in 1783. Henry Talbot has been dismissed from his post at a prestigious London hospital where he worked as a surgeon and lecturer. Having only had one offer of employment for a wealthy family in Wales, he leaves to start a fresh. Arriving at Plas Helyg he realises that things here are very different from London.

Julian his employer is rarely at home, spending time in London or at his mines in the local village. Linette Tresilian, the unconventional mistress of Plas Helyg, lives a lonely life and has become self sufficient having only herself to reply on, she is very aloof with Henry. Her Mother also resides in the house who is rumoured to have defects of the mind. And the locals are not happy that there is a new 'English' doctor in the village, who is a man of science. They are superstitious bunch who still have a rich belief in myth and magic and do not welcome his presence.
Henry soon realises that things are not as they appear at Plas Helyg, nor are it's residents.

I did enjoy this book, but I definitely expected a more occult, gothic horror that I actually got. The opening chapter of the book had me gripped and was spine chilling but after that the book just seemed to turn into more of a mystery, with the odd reference to the occult. Which I found rather disappointing. I wanted to be kept on my ties and scared whilst reading, this didn't happen Whilst the book is full or twists and turns which kept me reading, I was still rather miffed with the ending, it just seemed a little too quickly wrapped up. I did enjoyed the authors writing style, and she has obviously done a lot of research into Welsh folklore which shows. Being of part Welsh descent I really enjoyed this. Also I have to say I love the cover of the book and Merlin the dog was a lovely little addition for me.

I would rate the book 3.5 stars. I did enjoy it but expected it to be more gothic horror.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Vintage for a ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

’He wakes to the unmistakable smell of sulphur and a room as black as pitch.’

Fans of gothic fiction rejoice, this is the book that you’ve been waiting for. If there was any doubt in my mind about my ever growing love of the genre ’The Shadow Key’ has vanquished it. If you enjoy the genre at all, or are simply curious about it, then I strongly advice that you go and find yourself a copy of this book as soon as possible. It truly is a decadent, atmospheric delight.

From the start I was utterly entranced by this book; it’s eerie opening reeling me in and leaving me questioning exactly what was going to happen. I don’t think I’ve read a book within the setting before, 1783 Wales, and it worked wonderfully for creating the necessary sense of unease. The rural location, the hostility of the residents, the dangers of the mines and the glorious inclusion of superstition and folklore. Oh how those last two aspects in particular can’t help but draw me in. This book has left me itching to learn more about the myths and legends of Wales, and longing to dive into as many gothic narratives as possible. So I think it’s pretty safe to say that it was a dynamic success.

Throughout I can honestly say that the plot kept me guessing consistently. Like many gothic novels it walks a thin line between the natural and supernatural, leaving you querying over exactly what is going on. And with so many legends referenced, and so much uncertainty hanging in the air I truly didn’t know what to expect. The overall direction utterly staggered me and the journey to get there came with so many twists and turns too.

Character wise I adored this novel and everyone felt realistically fleshed out. It’s told mainly from the perspectives of Henry, a doctor who reluctantly takes a job in Penhelyg, and Linette the owner of the estate, who flouts convention at every turn. Both offered a different perspective than the novels that I’ve read in the past and kept me invested throughout. The supporting characters were wonderfully compelling too and came together to offer so much. There’s one medical scene in particular that I’d be surprised if anyone could read without flinching.

Naturally I recommend ’The Shadow Key’ and am currently kicking myself for having not yet read the author’s debut. If you’re a fan of atmospheric gothic fiction novels that keep you invested, and guessing, throughout, then this is an absolute must read. It sets it scene vividly, unravels its mysteries hauntingly and crafts an atmosphere that will sink beneath your skin. Needless to say I’ll be keeping an eye out for whatever the author pens next.

The story begins with Dr Henry Talbot being offered a position with The Trasilian household in rural Wales as the family physician with the added duty of helping the villagers. However, he soon discovers, they are wary and distrustful of him as he is from London. Dr Talbot finds a mystery vial in the vandalised Gatehouse where he is shocked to learn of the death of his predecessor from Linette Tresilian. The plot is full of twists and turns, such as learning of Welsh Folklore and myths. Dr Talbot can't help himself with investigating the death and other strange happenings at Plas Helyg near the town Penhelyg. The story is well written and the descriptions of locations and people are great. I will be recommending this book.

The Shadow Key is not a dark and gothic novel as it has been promoted to be. After frustratedly reading it, I can wholeheartedly say, The Shadow Key is a murder mystery with elements of witchcraft set in 17th century Wales.
I was so excited to read it but unfortunately was so let down in the end.

A new Dr has arrived in a small village in Wales but the locals are very distrustful. Henry has left London under a cloud and when all other job avenues were closed to him, a surprise letter offering a job in Wales seemed his last option. But the author of the letter, Lord Julian of Plas Helyg has his own reasons for wanting Henry, and these soon become clear when he meets cousin Linette and her mother Gwen.
The belief of Wales long history with folklore and myths are rife during this story as is the Occult and secret clubs.
I loved the cover of this novel and the story enthralled me. It's a slow burn novel to be enjoyed and beautifully descriptive of the area.

Loved Pandora and this was just as good. Moody and atmospheric, this time set in Wales, I really enjoyed it.

A heady mix of magic, science and the supernatural centred around a small Welsh village creates the most captivating story in every way.

This was an absolutely extraordinary story. I love a tale of myth and magick, but this is incredible. One of the best I've read in fact. The details were so intricate, I felt I was right there in beautiful Wales. This is my first read from this author, but based on this, I'll be reading all of her work. The twists were so unexpected, I loved it.

Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

An atmospheric and immersive mystery set in the heart of a Welsh village. It contains a beautiful mixture of folklore, science and the supernatural and with a wonderful cast of characters, this book took me on an incredible journey.

I received an ARC of this book via netgalley. I think the book blurb promised more than it gave. A small cast of characters in a small welsh settlement and, at least for me, an equally small amount of narrative pull or interest. It was obvious who was manipulating events although why was a bit of a surprise. I am not sure that the book will encourage me to read more from this author.

The Shadow Key by Susan Stokes-Chapman
Release date : 18th April 2024

After reading and loving Pandora by @sstokeschapman a couple of years ago, I've been eagerly awaiting her next book. Thank you to @vintagebooks and @netgalley for providing me a digital advance copy.

Set in 1783, Henry accepts a post in rural Wales after being dismissed from his job in London. Soon after his arrival Henry suspects that all may not be as it seems including the death of his predessor.

I really enjoyed this atmospheric story that is full of folklore and magic. I loved the slow burn as the characters and setting are explored and brought to life. Also the amount of research the author undertook is to be commended. The inclusion of Welsh language, superstitions and occult references made this a tangible story.

Towards the end the tension ramps up and events happen very quickly. I enjoyed the plots twists, some I guessed but others I didn't see coming. My only tiny negative was the ending seemed a little rushed after the slow build up and the monologues by the villains was a little too much like an info dump for me.

Susan Stokes-Chapman is one of my favourite authors in this genre and I will definitely be first in line to read her next novel.

This was such a great book. I've loved this author's first novel so was eager to give this a go. In this story, the author again weaves a thin line between the logical and the supernatural, with Welsh history and folklore beautifully shining through. It was my kinda book.

This had such an interesting and brilliantly crafted plot. The characters were unique and relatable and the writing was spectacular. I especially loved the gothic and creepy atmosphere and added to the experience of reading. Overall, I loved this, and I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.

A gloriously Gothic tale of a London doctor taking up a position in an isolated village in Wales in the latter part of the 18th century. Henry Talbot knows he's out of his depth - he doesn't speak Welsh and he is dismissive of the folklore of his new patients. They, in turn, are dismissive of him because he's one of the hated English and a city man who knows nothing of country ways. Their deep-seated dislike of his fellow countrymen is based on past outrages committed by incoming landowners who took advantage of the land, the miners, and the women.

Henry discovers, however, that there are goings-on even the people of Penhelyg know little about and he is determined to get to the bottom of the mysterious happenings. With the help of Linette, owner of the Plas Helyg estate, and Rowena, a herbalist with whom he is falling in love, Henry uncovers a mystery that strikes at the heart of his very being.

A very readable novel full of atmosphere and wonderful description..

A very enjoyable read. Henry is asked to become the local doctor in a small mining village in Wales. Being English, he meets lots of hostility from the locals. Even the manor owner, Linette is wary of him despite also being attracted to him. Henry starts to investigate the death of the previous doctor and realises all is not as it seems. The author successfully weaves a historic tale of murder, treachery, family and satanism.

Henry Talbot has been invited to be the new physician in Penhelyg, North Wales and to stay at Plas Helyg. Immediately it is clear that this young Englishman is not welcome. His predecessor has recently died in suspicious circumstances and Henry is determined to find out what happened to him. Henry is curious to resolve another mystery. Gwen Tresilian, the mother of mistress of the house, appears to be haunted by demons. There is more to her story than meets the eye. Her daughter, Linette, is more than happy to help Henry in his quest. Will they solve the mysteries surrounding this house and village? How is the death of the previous physician, the arrival of Henry and Gwen's illness connected? What evils forces are at play here in Penhelyg?
This was an enjoyable gothic-style historical mystery with interesting twists and turns throughout. Religion, folklore, superstition, herbalism and occultism were are intertwined in a modern-post modernist approach to religion and spirituality. Gender ideology and same sex attraction were hinted at but not developed further. Attitudes to sex expressed by Henry sounded very twentieth- twenty first century to me. These aspects made it more like a historical fiction with contemporary characters which made it less authentic. These aspects aside, it was a very well written book, with a gripping plot that kept you reading until the end.

A beautifully atmospheric tale of Welsh miners and Welsh culture in 18th century times. There is mystery and twists and good characters and descriptions, a hint of magic and a dose of realism. A good read.

I found this book a little bit slow to begin with, but it didn't take long for me to get fully immersed in the story. Just the right combination of supernatural, gothic and historical information to create a very well written novel. The story centres around Henry, a doctor, who comes to a rural practice in Wales. From the very start there is huge resentment about who and what he is. Nothing is quite right or as it seems and soon enough, things start to unravel. Plenty of twists along the way, which kept me guessing. Thoroughly recommended.